Rock on at the 5 Best Music Venues in Dubai
As a city that thrives on art and beauty, Dubai offers plenty of spaces for respectful artistic expression, regardless of the form it takes. And yes, this includes sound and music.
So whether you’re a band or performer looking for the best place to play, or a visitor looking for the best spots to enjoy the local scene, here are some of the best music venues in Dubai to visit!
How much does it cost to rent a music venue in Dubai?
The cost of renting a venue depends on the event. Bigger events with more seating will definitely cost more, especially if they’re also able to provide top-notch equipment and support.
In our experience, most venues cost anywhere between AED 1,000 to AED 5,000 for smaller venues and up to AED 100,000 for massive exhibition halls.
Choosing the Best Music Venues in Dubai
Let’s have ourselves a great show! When it comes to choosing the best music venues in Dubai, we’ve narrowed down our options based on the following factors:
1. Q’s Bar and Lounge
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| VENUE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| MUSIC EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMENITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| MANAGEMENT | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COORDINATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
When it comes to live music venues in Dubai, it would be remiss of us not to list Q’s Bar and Lounge. Founded by the late and great Quincy Jones, the lounge is known as one of the top hot spots for any music lover or jazz musician out in the UAE.
The lounge itself pays great homage to jazz and music in all its formats– from the live band performances, both from various artists and their own in-house group, to even the menu, making for a charming ambiance.
Of course, with a location at the Palazzo Versace, it upholds the standards of service that can be found throughout the rest of the hotel, with an accommodating and helpful staff to ensure a great night.
Q’s Bar and Lounge is a hotspot of jazz for a good reason– we’d recommend checking it out on any visit to the Palazzo.
We were pleasantly surprised to find Soul/ R&B musicians
“Exceptional visit to Q’s, we visited in celebration of a birthday. My cousin found the lounge searching online for live music, and we were pleasantly surprised to find Soul/ R&B musicians.”
= Tish C, Google Review
A sophisticated and vibrant spot
“Q’s Bar Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai is a sophisticated and vibrant spot known for its live music performances and elegant ambiance. The lounge offers a luxurious setting with a great selection of cocktails.”
– Vanessa Saldarriaga, Google Review
2. Alma Music and Art Lounge
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VENUE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| MUSIC EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMENITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| MANAGEMENT | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| COORDINATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Found tucked away in the Sucre Restaurant, the Alma Music & Art Lounge is an experience focused on and around what it says on the tin. The lounge combines various cultures in every aspect of it, highlighting artistic expression above everything else.
As a live venue, Alma is home to various events, both shared and individually from its base restaurant in Sucre. These include special offers like business lunches and brunch offerings, as well as their special Out of Office Aperitivo for the after-work crowd.
Large groups need not worry either, as Alma has a surprisingly spacious indoor area, allowing for everything from family get-togethers to casual, friendly hangouts.
With benefits such as free parking, a cozy interior and an electrifying setlist for all-night fun, what’s not to love about this live music venue in Dubai?
You think you are in heaven
“All I can say is that when you enter this place, Alma, you think you are in heaven. Staff are so professional, kind and loving.”
– Vali Raoufi, Google Review
Hands down one of the best spots for a drink
“Alma, tucked away in DIFC as part of Sucre, is hands down one of the best spots for a drink. While Sucre’s more of a restaurant, Alma feels more like a cool, laid-back bar.”
– Jad Haj Chahine, Google Review
3. Lock Stock and Barrel
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| VENUE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| MUSIC EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMENITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| MANAGEMENT | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| COORDINATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
There’s a chance customers have already heard about Lock Stock & Barrel, especially when looking into live music venues in Dubai. Bearing the title of the UAE’s most loved party location, Lock Stock & Barrel is sure to please every crowd it draws.
Originally started in Barsha Heights, Lock Stock & Barrel has rapidly grown to be the destination for just about anything live: from electrifying musical performances to sports nights and other bonding activities to help customers kick back and relax.
The lounge takes pride in its use of its space to make sure there’s enough entertainment for everyone– customers visiting for the live music will find stages set up, while those preferring something quiet can also watch sports on the lounge TVs.
With locations in Business Bay, Barsha Heights and the Walk, Lock Stock & Barrel is definitely a go-to music venue.
We had an amazing experience at LSB
“We had an amazing experience at LSB in Dubai! The atmosphere is fantastic, with a perfect blend of cozy and vibrant vibes. The space is beautifully designed, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the evening.”
– Susana Bray, Google Review
Great drinks, tasty bites, and no booking required
“Lock, Stock & Barrel is the ultimate party destination! The vibrant atmosphere, live music, and energetic crowd create an unforgettable vibe. Great drinks, tasty bites, and no booking required.”
– Ahmed Omar, Google Review
4. 117 Live Arena
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| VENUE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| MUSIC EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMENITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| MANAGEMENT | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COORDINATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Now this is an arena fit for any would-be rock star. The 117Live Arena differs much from the lounges and bars thus far on our list in that it’s a full-fledged outdoor music venue in Dubai. A location just 20 minutes from the Burj Khalifa gives it an awesome view.
As an entertainment venue, 117Live can host just about anything large-scale. These can range from concerts and music performances, which tend to draw in its biggest crowds, to even theatrical performances for the classically-inclined.
Customers and attendees also have their pick of the wide area, as the arena is home to ample seating and a wide variety of food stalls. Attendees will never go hungry, or lack for choice!
What’s more, musicians will love that 117Live boasts a robust sound system– fitting, especially given the outdoor setting. We would definitely consider it a must-visit music venue in Dubai.
The sound system there is by far ONE OF THE BEST
“What an amazing venue!! Having been to many concerts, can say without a doubt the sound system there is by far ONE OF THE BEST I have ever experienced until now… hands down!!”
– Rohith R.K, Google Review
Amazing venue, well organised management
“Been a hardcore fan of GNFR for many years and I never believed that I would be able to experience them live. All thanks to 117 live Management. Been to other concerts as well. Amazing venue, well organised management.”
– Richard Smith Golla, Google Review
5. The Fridge Warehouse
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VENUE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| MUSIC EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMENITIES | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| MANAGEMENT | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| COORDINATION | ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Don’t let the “warehouse” part fool you– The Fridge Warehouse has, in truth, been a beloved music venue in Dubai since it first opened its doors in 2010. The venue hosts just about anything from corporate events to special workshops.
The Fridge Warehouse is especially known for their ability to provide both hybrid and virtual event spaces, allowing for a wider audience. Musicians will especially love that they even have a specialized live performance studio for practice and actual shows!
Customers and attendees, on the other hand, have especially praised their reasonable costs– both for products sold within the Warehouse, and for the rental fees when booking them as a venue.
As a bonus, their bar offerings are known to have an extensive roster of non-alcoholic offerings, allowing families to bring those who don’t drink out for a fun time. That alone makes it a reliable music venue in Dubai.
Great place for Open Mic
“Great place for Open Mic both for singer musicians as well as music lovers. Drinks bar available inside . Hygienic washrooms available. Overall good place to chill and relax.”
– Shaon Mukherjee, Google Review
Nice venue with good sound system
“Nice venue with good sound system and large LED screen on stage for visual enhancements. Non-alcoholic beverage bar is available too.”
– Roy R, Google Review
FAQs about Choosing Music Venues in Dubai
We hope you have fun whether you’re going to be watching or playing your own music! And hey, if you’re just getting started then why not explore the best stores for musical instruments in Dubai here!